Sally Mugabe Central Hospital Midwife At The Centre Of A Human Trafficking and Forgery Court Case

Betty Sena, a midwife employed at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, appeared in the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to face grave charges involving human trafficking and falsification of an infant’s death certificate. Following her court appearance, Sena was remanded in custody, with a bail hearing scheduled for December 3.

Alleged timeline of events

The charges against Sena are tied to an incident that allegedly transpired between February and March 2024. According to the prosecution, Sena collaborated with three individuals: Evelyn Zisengwe, Dion Tore, and Ayanda Zisengwe, to orchestrate the unlawful adoption of a baby girl, now nine months old.

The State claims that Sena utilized her professional position as a midwife to initiate and execute the scheme. It is alleged that she persuaded Evelyn Zisengwe to deliver her baby prematurely, resulting in the infant’s birth at 28 weeks on February 25, 2024.

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Forged Documents and the Baby’s Transfer

Sally Mugabe Central hospital midwife in human trafficking case-Image Source@iStock

The allegations further suggest that on March 5, 2024, Sena facilitated the illegal transfer of the newborn to Dion Tore. This transfer allegedly took place within Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. To cover up the unlawful activity, Sena is accused of forging documentation to create the appearance that Tore was the biological mother of the child.

The State contends that Sena took advantage of her authority to authorize the baby’s discharge from the hospital despite the infant not meeting medical requirements for release. This premature discharge placed the child in an unsafe condition, according to court reports.

In a shocking twist, it is alleged that Sena falsified a death certificate for the infant, falsely stating that the baby had passed away. This fraudulent action reportedly aimed to mislead authorities and Zisengwe herself.

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Sena is alleged to have received a monetary reward of just US$20 for her role in this illicit operation.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

The alleged scheme came to light when detectives from the CID Counter Terrorism Unit apprehended Sena. Her arrest followed confessions and evidence implicating her provided by two co-accused individuals, Dion Tore and Evelyn Zisengwe.

Prosecutor Mercy Masamvi, representing the State, underscored the seriousness of the charges, which have sparked significant public and legal interest. The involvement of a healthcare professional in a case of this magnitude has amplified concerns surrounding the ethical responsibilities of those entrusted with patient care.

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